Great Harwood mum to open children’s sensory gym in Accrington

Sensation – The Sensory Gym is a joint venture owned by Karen KcKee, her mum Carol Young and her brother James Young.

After dreaming of opening a business like this for two years, Sensation is set to open on Market Street at the end of May or start of June.

Karen KcKee (right) her mum Carol Young (Image: Karen KcKee)

Karen, originally from Great Harwood, believes there is a need for a sensory gym such as this in the area after struggling to find a place like it for her two autistic children, Felix and Celia McKee.

She said: “My 10-year-old specifically has a lot of sensory issues. He is constantly, climbing, swinging or spinning.

“There isn’t really a place nearby with all of this specialist equipment and sensory stimuli under one roof.

“At home we have built some things to help him with these sensory issues, such as a climbing wall in his bedroom, gym walls, swings on the doorframe.”

The play gym is open to all children aged four to 12 but is specifically targeted at children with sensory issues, including those with autism, ADHD, developmental disorders and beyond.

Karen said: “It is an inclusive gym that is open to anyone but it will primarily help those with sensory issues

“It’s also a place for children with sensory issues who may not have any kind of official diagnosis yet as it can take years to be diagnosed with autism.”

Sensation- The Sensory Gym is opening in Accrington this year (Image: Karen McKee)

Monkey bars, ninja rings, a rope bridge, sensory swings, a sensory light room and an interactive projector, are just some of the specialist sensory equipment that will be available at the play gym.

Karen said: “It will contain specialist equipment that you wouldn’t necessarily have at home.

“Sensory play can helps with motor skills development, balance, coordination and so many other great things.

“It helps regulate children, which helps with their wellbeing and behaviour.

“The things I have done at home have done a lot for my children – now I am hoping to use what I know to help so many others.”

Karen hopes the venue will also become a hub for parents whose child has recently been diagnosed with autism or another condition.

She said: “We have lived it and can help with any advice. Hopefully in the future, we will be able to put on some training for the parents if they need more information.

“When you do get an autism diagnosis you are left on your own – there is nothing there for you and you have to do your own research.”

Karen KcKee (right) with her children Felix (bottom right) and Celia (bottom left) McKee. Left is her mum Carol Young (Image: Karen KcKee)

Carol, a teacher who owns Target Tuition centres in Clayton-le-Moors and Clitheroe, said: “I find that there are a lot more children with sensory issues these day but there isn’t anywhere big enough to do anything.

“We wanted to open somewhere that would address all of the issues some children may have.

“We hope this new venture can fill a gap.

“Sensory play with specialist equipment has made a huge difference to my grandchildren. It’s helped with their development, focus and social skills.

“Something like this is really needed.”